magnetic resonance imaging
By Brianna McClure
What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging?
Magnetic resonance imaging (also known as MRIs) is a preferred technology equipment that is able to produce clear images of soft tissues in human or animal bodies. MRIs are able to collect information on body fluids, brain and nerve tissues and soft tissues. This equipment has also been successful in identifying heart diseases, tumours and brain disorders. Recently they have been used to get an understanding on how the brain functions.
When, Who and how was the MRI invented?
MRI was developed from the idea of Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum (NMR). NMR is a technique that was used in the 1950s to identify molecules. The similarities between the NMR and MRI is that they both contain tiny magnetic fields. The magnetic fields identify the difference between different tissues types from the inside of the body. When the MRI was first used in medicine it was called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. The word nuclear had to be abandoned because it was known as ionizing radiation, which is very dangerous. The MRI doesn't contain any high energy radiation.
How does it work?
An MRI scan usually last around 30-45 minutes, but it can very depending on the amount of body parts being examined.
MRI uses a combination of strong magnetic fields which is passed onto an electric current through wire loops. Whilst this is happening radio waves are being absorbed by the protons in the body. The protons are producing energy. The energy is released and is then picked up by the current, which transfers it to the computer to produce detailed images of the body's insides. This operation is done without using any harmful radiation.
How has this technology benefited people or the society?
Common things this process is used for:
* Spine, joint or muscle problems
* Abdominal tumors
* Brain tumors
* Breast cancer
* Heart or blood vessel problems
You should tell the nurse or doctor if you have, are or suffer from:
* Pasemaker
* Implants
* Metal plates, pins, screws, staples
* Tattoos
* Claustrophobia
* Pregnant or think you are.
Article - MRI Made easy
The article I have found is from a radiology clinic in the St John of God Hospital.
The article is dedicated to anyone who wants to tech medicine and anyone who finds it difficult to understand about how the MRI works. In 97 pages this articles describes how the MRI works, what is does, and what happens to your body when you are in the machinery.
Bellow I have come up with 5 simple steps that the article has informed me on how the MRI works.
1. The patient is placed inside the machinery.
2. Radio waves are transmitted into the body.
3. The waves collect data from the body.
4. The body sends the signals to the computer
5. The computer produces an image.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
· Http://inventors.sciencedaily.com/l/432/Paul-Christian-Lauterbur -. N.p., 22 Apr. 2013. Web. 10 May 2013.
· HowStuffWorks. Todd A. Gould and Molly Edmonds, n.d. Web. 15 May 2013. <http://www.howstuffworks.com/mri5.htm%20%20%20>.
· "How MRI Works." HowStuffWorks. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2013. <http://www.howstuffworks.com/mri.htm>.
· Science and Medical Discoveries. N.p.: Clay Farris Naff, n.d. Print. 15 May 2013
· Dictionary online. 15 May 2013
· "What Is MRI?" Http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146309.php. N.p., 16 Apr. 2009. Web. 21 May 2013.
· Http://www.bitterrootimaging.com/MRI-workings.html. N.p., n.d. Web 21 May 2013
· Http://www.knowyourback.org/Pages/Treatments/AssessmentTools/MRI.aspx. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 May 2013.
· David McClure 21 May 2013
· Http://www.acrin.org/PATIENTS/ABOUTIMAGINGEXAMSANDAGENTS/ABOUTMRISCANS.aspx. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 May 2013.
· "Infobase Learning - Login." Infobase Learning - Login. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2013. <http://www.fofweb.com/Science/LowerFrame.asp?SID=5>.
· "Infobase Learning - Login." Infobase Learning - Login. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2013. <http://www.fofweb.com/Science/LowerFrame.asp?SID=5>.
Schild, Hans. MRI Made Easy. Berlin: H.Heenenmann GmbH&Co, 2012. Print. 25 May 2013